USA Coach Bruce Arena Resigns After Failing To Qualify For The World Cup

USA head coach Bruce Arena has resigned from his post after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Following his resignation as USA head coach, Bruce Arena said in a statement on the US federation’s official website: “Everyone involved in the programme gave everything they had for the last 11 months and, in the end, we came up short.

“This certainly is a major setback for the senior men’s national team, and questions rightly should be asked about how we can improve. No doubt this process already has started and will continue so that US soccer can progress.”

“Having said that, it also is important to recognize the tremendous growth and accomplishments we have achieved over the past two decades in all areas, including player development, coaching education and a stable domestic professional league. That work is ongoing, and despite the result in Trinidad the sport is on the right path. By working together, I am confident soccer in this country will continue to grow in the years and decades ahead. Obviously the biggest disappointment is for our fans.

“As a person involved in the sport for more than 40 years, to see how the level of support for soccer in the United States has grown is incredibly gratifying. I believe I speak for everyone involved in the game in thanking all of you for your passion and commitment, and I hope you maintain your steadfast support of U.S. Soccer.

“While this is a difficult moment, I maintain a fierce belief that we are heading in the right direction. I believe in the American player and the American coach, and with our combined efforts the future remains bright.

“I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I can say this from the bottom of my heart: from the high of reaching the Quarterfinal of the 2002 World Cup to the low of a few days ago, I have appreciated every minute of being a part of this program.”

Bruce Arena, 66, took over the reins of the national team for the second time in his career on Nov. 22, 2016, after U.S. Soccer decided to part ways with his predecessor Jurgen Klinsmann.